After the consolidation of the seven assessor's offices, our main priority was to bring about uniformity in assessments citywide, improve transparency and make every property's assessment information readily available to taxpayers at www.nolaassessor.com, our website.

As we move forward, it is certainly reasonable to address some of the suggestions made to eliminate the lines, such as hiring more appraisers, providing additional online services and increasing the open rolls public inspection time period.

Extending the inspection period requires legislative action. I attempted to implement this change in the past, but, unfortunately, I did not receive the necessary support from the legislature. But I am committed to seeking this change again.

However, I wish to emphasize that individuals were invited to download from our website a Board of Review appeal form, follow the instructions and return it to my office by the Aug. 20 deadline; this constitutes a formal appeal.

When a taxpayer meets with and talks with an appraiser in my office during the open rolls period, this is considered an "informal" appeal and does require a personal visit. As we continue to modernize the office, and improve our assessment process, we hope to implement innovations that will make face-to-face visits an option, but no longer a requirement.